Our next major stop along our route is Glacier National Park. However, we make a short (60 mile) detour to return to the National Bison Range (July 16). We first visited here 10 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. While viewing bison is not a particularly unique experience in the part of America, the existence of this nationally protected area for bison is. The National Bison Range is one of 566 refuges and 38 wetland management districts in the National Wildlife Refuge System – a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife.

Vehicles are allowed to drive through a 19-mile one-way gravel route that gains over 2,000 feet in elevation. However, exiting the vehicle during the trip is strictly prohibited.

In addition to seeing numerous bison, the drive gave us some great views of the historic Glacial Lake Missoula, which helped form the valley below.

An added benefit was the sighting of several other birds and animals in their natural setting. In all, a trip well worth the extra time!

In contrast, as we leave this protected area, headed along the highway to West Glacier, what do we encounter along the roadside — a group of more than 10 bighorn sheep having an early morning breakfast?

Part of the 19-mile road in the Range.

Check out the bird on this big boy! Soul mates…

While we have sighted hundreds of Pronghorn Antelope along the way, they have always been miles off the roadside. Here we had the opportunity for a really close-up look. As a side note, on our visit 10 years ago, we happened upon a Pronghorn who was giving birth to its young. Amazed by this occurrence, we mentioned it to the park ranger. She informed us the Pronghorn have realized that if they give birth during the day, along a well-traveled road, they are protected from their natural prey, the coyote!

Meriam and I always enjoy viewing birds of prey. We apologize that these photographs of an osprey, in her hunt for fish in the stream below, is not “tack-sharp”, but recall we were not allowed out of our vehicle.

Is this not a magnificent animal?

Ok, can you identify the number of individuals in the photograph?